UCL R16: Manchester United vs Real Madrid

           The round of 16 draw for the UCL 2012-13 threw up a mouth watering clash between 2 footballing powerhouses (Manchester United & Real Madrid) pitted against each other. Clearly not a match for the early rounds but nevertheless had everybody drooling on. A clash of titans would be an apt description for an encounter of this magnitude. 

1^st Leg (13/02/13):

            For many in the red jersey, this was their first experience of absorbing what Santiago Bernabeu had to offer and becoming overwhelmed. For players who have had the experience of playing before the noisy madridstas would have wanted to feel those goose bumps again. A team filled with star players and oozing talent, Madrid was always going to be the bookmaker’s favorite. For United to return with an away goal showed why Fergie at 71 is still at the peak of his career. Though there were a lot of wasted opportunities at both the ends, the moment that stood out was a breathtaking leap by CR7 leaving Evra rooted to the ground and head a wonderful goal from a precise cross thanks to Angel Di Maria. With the final whistle, the stage shifted to the theater of dreams – Old Trafford.

Towering header

Pre-Match: 

           Though billed as the tie of the year, the first leg failed to live up to the expectations of the neutrals and this hyped the expectations from the second leg. Notwithstanding the great teams playing, few subplots were up for grabs in the local (UK) press.

Giggs - 1000th appearance

• Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the best managers if not arguably the best ever pitting his wits against former nemesis, friend & the “Special One” – Jose Mourinho who has publicly stated his desire to return to England (few tongues wagging him being a potential replacement for irreplaceable Fergie).
• Ryan Giggs playing his 1000^th senior game.
• Return of THAT BOY CR7 back to his former hunting ground after his high profile transfer to Madrid. Viva Ronaldo!

THAT boy

Oh Manchester.... is wonderful..(2nd Leg - 05/03/13)

          As the whole world was waiting with abated breath for the event to unfold, everybody except perhaps MU staff were surprised (fans - not pleasantly) when Rooney was left in the bench. A bold decision from Fergie for a key match which could be a stroke of a genius or a gamble went awry but you can never second guess the young man after being at helm for the last 25+ years. 

          The player’s entry was greeted with a huge cheer from the home fans, reserving the best adulation for Giggs and Ronaldo. CR7 enthralled the OT faithful between 2003 and 2009 and has always been their darling. There were no surprises to see hoardings requesting him to return to OT for good. It would have been a very emotional night for him with all the love and affection in the air. The very factor Evra and Rio mentioned could undo him and enable united ease through to the last 8. However, no player is great unless he can check his emotion and rise to the occasion when the team needs. No doubt, CR7 belongs to that category. He did acknowledge their support  and when the referee nodded play, the crowd as expected got behind the home team and booed CR7 as he tried to take a free kick in the opening minutes.

          Fergie went for a rare 4-2-3-1 formation with Carrick partnering Cleverley to dictate the game from deep and cover the back line. Vida partnering Rio underlined their standing in the team and in Sir Alex’s plans despite on the wrong side of 30s. The second surprising tactic (1 – Rooney) was deploying Giggsey on the right. At a ripe old age of 39, he was entrusted to contain Madrid’s bombardment from their left flank led by his erstwhile teammate and cut supply from Coentrao. Oh boy, he did turn the clock back with his mazy runs leaving the LB fumbling on his forward forays while sticking to the youngster and tackling boldly to steal the ball in defense. To say he led the team from the front the whole 90 minutes is an understatement.

         Nani was deployed slightly high on the left with a task of backing Evra in the defence and attack Madrid on the counter (Arbeloa being the easy target among the Madrid back line). It was a controlled game from him not that we have seen in the last few outings where his only quality on display being selfishness. A commendable job indeed (you know till when).

         
         Van Persie leading the front line was given, and Welbeck playing in the hole to contain Alonso dictating the tempo proved a prudent decision. He was a thorn in the midfielder’s game. Just after the goalless first half, a chance was created from the left flank that involved Nani and Welbeck and the ball found the back of the net, courtesy own goal from Ramos though he could not be faulted. This was enough for the home crowd to go ballistic and roared their support.

The RED Card Incident:

          However their joy was short-lived as a decision by the referee at 56’ minutes ripped the whole affair apart. Nani trying to control a high ball jumped with his stud pointed at the onrushing Arbeloa and was knocked out. After a few moments, waiting for Nani to rise from his play acting, was given marching orders for the challenge. A contentious decision it was. I could have sworn Fergie was ready to shoot the Turkish referee as he fumbled and charged towards the technical area while the united players had swarmed across the referee. Nani could not believe his eyes, well hoards of fans were bewildered at the decision.

 

          Though I am not an expert, I thought it was yellow at the most with Nani not even aware of the charging Madrid player and caught him unawares. Brandishing red was a harsh and a questionable decision. But you could interpret the rules both ways and the decision can be ruled correct as well. I believe the occasion, the game and the incident should have been factored into the referee’s decision making as this pulled the juice out of it. I was very confident that decision would make the headlines rather than the beautiful game. How unjust for the sports enthusiasts. To be frank, I felt the referee was itching to go down in the history having officiated a wonderful tie but without the red card brandished, he could have been mentioned in the footnote. I could feel the irony in calling OT “The theatre of dreams” - how fitting the name is.

Aftermath:

          The damage was done, with 10 against Real Madrid is always going to be a difficult ask. It was those unsettled 10 minutes where Madrid kicked united in their teeth with 2 goals. It was a tactical nous from Mourinho to sub Arbeloa with Modric who swung into action immediately and scored with an unstoppable shot. CR7 doubled the score within few minutes leaving United to score twice to advance further. From a defensive setup waiting to counter, the team moved to attack with all its might leaving spaces for a counter. However hard and well they played, Casillas understudy was time again denying united any change in the score line.

          A mention is required about the tactical genius of Mourinho as he used substitutions with perfect judgement. Fergie, not sure if he was not able to compose himself lost again in the tactical battle with the special one again (but only after the dubious red card). As much Fergie and Giggs tried to mobilize the crowd support (and the fans rallied behind upon war cry), the Los Blancos saw through the match and advancing to Quarter finals on an aggregate of 3-2 score.

Concluding thoughts:

Ronaldo apologetic for dumping united out

• The game proved Fergie's decision to bench Rooney right and would have been hailed a master stroke had it not been for an undeserving red for Nani and changing the game midway. I would still say that was an astute choice and hope he continues to lead United to glory forever.

• CR7 being emotional on his return to his former home ground, refused to celebrate his goal out of respect for his adoring fans like he did in Madrid. Respect!

• Giggs having played his 1000^th senior match before the home crowd at 39 the whole 90 minutes   would have made every football fan salute him.

• Sir Alex Ferguson aggrieved at losing the tie under dubious circumstances, scurried into the tunnel. He made a wise decision on not making it to the mandatory post match conference and being fined by UEFA rather than speaking his mind which would have led him into more trouble.

• I was disappointed with the conduct of Jose however, as he refused to celebrate his team’s win, then went on to say the best team lost. Not sure if he was currying favors at United to be their next manager or endear to the United fans but a clear disservice to a club with rich legacy and its players on the field is what I perceive.